18 April 2025

Your Ultimate Guide to Preparing for an Underwater Maternity Photoshoot

Dive into Perfection: Your Ultimate Guide to Preparing for an Underwater Maternity Photoshoot

An underwater maternity photoshoot is a truly magical experience, capturing the ethereal beauty of your pregnancy in a way that’s both artistic and unforgettable. However, preparing for this unique session requires a bit more planning than a traditional photoshoot. To ensure you look and feel your absolute best, let’s dive into some essential tips on posing, outfits, makeup, and more.

1. Posing Like a Mermaid: Embrace the Flow

  • Relaxation is Key: Underwater, your body moves differently. Practice slow, graceful movements. Relax your shoulders and let your body move naturally.
  • Arch and Lengthen: To accentuate your baby bump, gently arch your back and lengthen your limbs. Imagine yourself as a graceful mermaid.
  • Facial Expressions: Keep your expressions serene and peaceful. Gentle smiles and soft gazes work best. If you can’t keep your eyes open it’s ok too, as long as your face expression is relaxed.
  • Fabric Flow: Choose outfits with flowing fabrics that will create beautiful movement in the water.
  • Communicate with Your Photographer: Your photographer will guide you, but don’t hesitate to express your preferences and comfort levels.
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2. Outfit Choices: Flowing Fabrics and Vibrant Colors

  • Flowy Dresses: Opt for long, flowing dresses made of lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk. These fabrics create stunning movement in the water.
  • Vibrant Colors: Choose colors that pop against the water, such as pink, orange, reds, or yellow.
  • Sheer Fabrics: Sheer fabrics add an ethereal touch and allow your baby bump to be visible.
  • Avoid Heavy Fabrics: Heavy fabrics like denim or thick cotton will weigh you down and restrict movement.
  • Test Your Outfits: Before the shoot, test your chosen outfits in water to see how they flow and how they look when wet.
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3. Makeup and Hair: Waterproof and Natural

  • Waterproof Makeup: Invest in high-quality waterproof makeup that will stay put underwater or have a professional make up artist do it for you.
  • Natural Look: Opt for a natural makeup look that enhances your features without being too heavy.
  • Hairstyles: Hair underwater moves beautifully and I often advice to let it down. But if you have issues managing it underwater and they keep covering your face you can choose hairstyles that will stay in place underwater, such as braids, buns, or sleek ponytails.
  • Avoid Hair or Body Products: Avoid hair or body products (like lotion, oil, gel etc.), that can cloud the water. Remember to rinse before getting in the water.
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4. Other Essential Tips:

  • Practice Your Poses: If you practice in a pool make sure that safety is always your number one priority! Have someone experienced watching you and capable to help you in case you need it. If you don’t have access to a pool, you can practice the poses on the couch or on the bed, focusing on creating beautiful and graceful lines with your body. If it’s your first time doing an underwater photoshoot I recommend doing a coaching session to work together on the poses and to learn how to relax underwater to be more prepared the day of the photoshoot.
  • Eye Drops: Bring eye drops to prevent redness from chlorine or saltwater. Use them before and after the photoshoot.
  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during and after the shoot.
  • Communicate Any Concerns: If you have any concerns about being underwater, communicate them to your photographer.
  • Choose the Right Photographer: Select a photographer with experience in underwater photography and a portfolio that aligns with your style.
  • Location Matters: Discuss location with your photographer. Pools, clear springs, and even certain calm beach areas can be great.
  • Timing is key: the light under water changes throughout the day, so discuss the best timing with your photographer.
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5. Relax and Enjoy the Experience:

Most importantly, relax and enjoy this unique and magical experience. Let your photographer guide you, and trust that they will capture the beauty of your pregnancy in a truly breathtaking way.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your underwater maternity photoshoot, creating stunning images that you’ll cherish forever.